Typical Thai Proverbs And Their English Versions

4 Jan 2024
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Every language has proverbs and sayings that are unique to their culture.  While on Koh Phangan you may hear one as the Thai’s have many! Here’s a list of the top 10 most commonly spoken one (as well as an English version of the same meaning) so you’ll know what they mean.

สีซอให้ควายฟัง (see sor hai kwai fang)

Translation:  To play the violin for the buffalo to listen to.
English version:  Talking to a brick wall. 
Meaning:  You’re wasting your time talking to a person that does not listen. 


หนีเสื่อประจระเข้ (nee seua pa jo ra kay)

Translation:  To escape from the tiger to the crocodile.
English version:  Out of the frying pan into the fire. 
Meaning:  Getting out of one problem just to find yourself in another even worse one.


ปิดทองหลังพระ (pid tong lang pra)

Translation:  Putting a gold leaf on the back of the Buddha image.
Meaning:  Do good, not for attention. 


ได้อย่างเสียอย่าง (dai yang sia yang)

Translation:  You have to lose something to get another thing.
English version:  You can’t make an omelette without breaking any eggs.
Meaning:  Regarding a situation in which it is difficult to achieve something important without causing any unpleasant effects.


ชั่วเจ็ดทีดีเจ็ดหน (chua jet tee dee jet hon)

Translation:  Bad seven times, good seven times.
English version:  Every cloud has a silver lining. 
Meaning:  Even in a bad situation, there is something good. 


น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก (nam keun hai reep tak)

Translation:  When the water rises, hurry to get some.
English version:  Make hay while the sun shines. 
Meaning:  Take advantage of the opportunity to do something before it’s too late. 


จับปลาสองมือ (jab pla song meu)

Translation:  Catch a fish with two hands.
English version:  You can’t have your cake and eat it. 
Meaning:  You can’t have it all, you must choose one. 


ขวานผ่าซาก ( kwan par sak)

Translation:  Splitting a hardwood with an axe.
English version:  Calling a spade a spade. 
Meaning:  To speak honestly about something even if it isn’t what wants to be heard. 


แมวไม่อยู่หนูร่าเริง ( meaw mai yoo noo ra reng)

Translation:  When the cat is not there, the mice are happy.
English version:  When the cat’s away, the mice will play. 
Meaning:  If the authority figure is out, the subordinates do as they please. 


รำไมดีโทษปี่โทษกลอง ( rum mai dee tod pee tod glong)

Translation:  Those who can’t dance blame it on the flute and the drum.
English version:  A bad workman blames his tools. 
Meaning:  It’s the person's own damn fault but they blame something else. 
 

กินน้ำจำฝาย (kin nam jam fai)

Translation: Drink water and remember the source.
English version: Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Meaning: Always remember and appreciate where your benefits come from.
 

เอาใจช่วย (ao jai chuay)

Translation: Give moral support.
English version: Lend a helping hand.
Meaning: Offering support or encouragement to someone.


ลิงโลดแล่น (ling lot laen)

Translation: Monkeys play freely.
English version: When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Meaning: People will take advantage of the absence of authority to do as they like.



งามหน้าได้หน้าเสียหลัง (ngam na dai na sia lang)

Translation: Beautiful in front but losing face behind.
English version: All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Things might look good on the outside but can be bad underneath.



หัวเราะเยาะเย้ยหยัน (hua raw ya yoi yan)

Translation: Laugh mockingly.
English version: Laugh in someone’s face.
Meaning: To ridicule or make fun of someone directly.



ควายเข้าป่า (kwai kao pa)

Translation: A buffalo enters the forest.
English version: A bull in a china shop.
Meaning: Someone who is clumsy or tactless in a delicate situation.



ไก่อูเป็นตัวอย่าง (kai oo pen tua yang)

Translation: The crowing chicken serves as an example.
English version: The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Meaning: People who complain the most are the ones who get attention or what they want.



เลือกไม่ได้ตามใจปาก (leuak mai dai tam jai pak)

Translation: Cannot choose according to one's taste.
English version: Beggars can't be choosers.
Meaning: When in need, you can't always be picky.



นกต่อไม่รู้โห่ (nok tor mai ru ho)

Translation: The decoy bird doesn't know the call.
English version: Out of one’s depth.
Meaning: Being in a situation that you don’t fully understand or are unprepared for.



ฟ้าหลังฝน (fa lang fon)

Translation: The sky after the rain.
English version: Every cloud has a silver lining.
Meaning: Finding hope or a positive aspect in a bad situation.
 

Keep Improving your Thai language

Living as an ex-pat and knowing the local language is a big advantage and increases the level of communication and interaction with the local community and authorities. The Thai people respect foreigners who show knowledge of the Thai language for putting in the effort to learn it and will usually treat them back with respect.
To keep improving your Thai language you should try some Thai Language Courses, it is not as hard as it might seem, as there is a lot of logic and word combinations.
Before choosing a teacher it is advised to read the reviews, not just the average rating, to get a better feel of the tutor. It is better to select someone who is not far in age and seems to have similar hobbies and interests as you.

 


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